Welcome back to VET S.O.S. for an exciting launch of Season 3! In this powerful episode, hosts Shawn and Eric sit down with Jerry Young, the Director of Veteran Ambassadors at INVets—a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses to high-quality career opportunities in Indiana.
INVets has experienced incredible growth over the past five years, expanding from a one-person team and five company partners to a thriving staff of 16 and partnerships with 581 employers offering more than 150,000 open jobs. Jerry discusses how INVets takes a transformational approach—not just transactional—by educating employers on veteran hiring and ensuring veterans and their families are set up for long-term success.
But Jerry’s story doesn’t stop there. He opens up about his deeply personal journey from serving in the Air Force and Indiana Army National Guard to battling PTSD and enduring the tragic loss of his wife to suicide. His resilience and commitment to mental health advocacy serve as a beacon of hope for other veterans facing similar struggles.
Jerry also highlights the ways Indiana supports veterans, including no state tax on military pay, a low cost of living, and direct partnerships with state leaders to shape policies that benefit veterans and their families. INVets isn’t just connecting veterans to jobs—they’re building strong, supportive communities.
🛠 Key Takeaways in This Episode:
- INVets’ mission to connect veterans and military spouses to Indiana’s workforce
- How INVets grew to partner with over 581 employers and provide access to 150,000+ job opportunities
- The importance of mental health resources and community support for veterans
- Indiana’s veteran-friendly policies and economic advantages for military families
- Jerry’s inspiring personal journey of resilience, recovery, and advocacy
🔗 Learn More About INVets: https://www.invets.org/
📲 Connect with Jerry Young on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-young11b/
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